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At some point, mentioning the fact that there's incredible drama going on in Omaha becomes redundant. We're way past that point. Georgia and Fresno State opened the best-of-three College World Series championship series in fine fashion last night with a game that saw two ties and four lead changes before Georgia outlasted Fresno State 7-6. By Tom Stad.

At some point, mentioning the fact that there's incredible drama going on in Omaha becomes redundant. We're way past that point. Georgia and Fresno State opened the championship series in fine fashion last night with a game that saw two ties and four lead changes before Georgia outlasted Fresno State 7-6 to take a 1-0 series lead. By Tom Stad.

Young pitchers are like Christmas presents: The build-up as you count down the days until their arrival, the hopes and dreams of what could be and the mystery are all similar. You don't know what you're going to get until you unveil them, but the anticipation alone keeps you up at night. Some presents come wrapped in a great big box only to disappoint (Homer Bailey - "D'oh!") but every so often there's a toy you get years of joy from, like these guys. By Sean Raposa.

Even with reigning N.L. MVP Jimmy Rollins blocking his path, Phillies shortstop prospect Jason Donald's solid all-around game and baseball smarts give him a good shot of reaching the majors sooner rather than later. The 2006 third-round pick is an above-average defender and provides surprising pop for a middle infielder, and looks ready to help the big league club whenever he's called upon. By Jay LeBlanc.

The Nats and O's both fell in interleague play, while Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira went yard not once, not twice, but three times against the Mariners. The Red Sox walked-off the Cards in extras, and the Royals and Giants engaged in an unlikely slugfest. All that and more in today's Morning Report. By Tim Whitman.

Saturday night, North Carolina proved that Fresno State was beatable. The only problem was they had to do it twice. That proved to be too tall a task for the Tar Heels as the Bulldogs' improbable run will continue thanks to a 6-1 victory in last night's final CWS elimination game. National Pastime college baseball writer Tom Stad recaps last night's action and previews the Georgia vs. Fresno State championship series.

Saturday night, North Carolina proved that Fresno State was beatable. The only problem was they had to do it twice. That proved to be too tall a task for the Tar Heels as the Bulldogs' improbable run will continue thanks to a 6-1 victory in last night's final CWS elimination game. National Pastime college baseball writer Tom Stad recaps last night's action and previews the Georgia vs. Fresno State championship series.

Finally healthy after battling nagging injuries the past two years, Orioles prospect Nolan Reimold is having a fine season at double-A Bowie. With little left to prove in the minors, Reimold figures to be the first player called upon if the Orioles find themselves in need of an outfielder, or just another power bat in the lineup. By Jay LeBlanc.

The Orioles had lofty expectations for right-hander Chris Tillman when they acquired him from the Mariners in the Erik Bedard deal, but he's far exceeded them so far this season, earning All-Star honors in the double-A Eastern League despite being one of the circuit's youngest players. If he keeps it up, it won't be long before the 20-year-old finds himself atop the pitcher's mound at Camden Yards. By Jay LeBlanc.

All-Star break? Not for Indians prospect Wes Hodges, who'll play in the Futures Game at Yankee Stadium on Sunday and follow that up with an appearance in the Eastern League All-Star Game on Wednesday. The Tribe's No. 4 prospect and third baseman of the future is also a candidate for the U.S. Olympic Team and could be in line for a September call-up. By Jay LeBlanc.

As Mike Piazza fades into retirement, the debates regarding his career and legacy will surely gain momentum - particularly the argument about which cap should appear on his plaque in Cooperstown. But regardless of whether he goes into the Hall of Fame as a Dodger or a Met, in the eyes of Mets fans and many baseball fans in general, Piazza will always be linked with New York. By Nick Leco.

No. 8 Georgia punched its ticket to the College World Series finals yesterday afternoon, holding off a late Stanford rally for a 10-8 victory. The Bulldogs still don't know who they'll face in the best-of-three series, as No. 2 North Carolina rallied late to beat upstart Fresno State and force a deciding game this evening. By Jay LeBlanc.

No franchise enjoys losing, but Tampa Bay has managed to make the best of it. The team has consistently scored high picks in the annual MLB draft as a result of its poor play, and few teams can match the Rays' success in identifying and subsequently developing top amateur talent. It's finally paying off in 2008, as the surprising Rays find themselves just a half-game behind the mighty Red Sox in the A.L. East. By Jay LeBlanc.

No. 8 Georgia punched its ticket to the College World Series finals yesterday afternoon, holding off a late Stanford rally for a 10-8 victory. The Bulldogs still don't know who they'll face in the best-of-three series, as No. 2 North Carolina rallied late to beat upstart Fresno State and force a deciding game this evening. By Jay LeBlanc.

Yesterday National Pastime honored the Outstanding Hitter and Pitcher from every double- and triple-A circuit. Today we'll take another step down the ladder and hand out awards to the first-half standouts in Class A and advanced Class A. By Jay LeBlanc.